Skip to main content

Color blind?

So, I've written several times about the way race continues to be a concern in our society. We live in a world where discussions of race frequently tend to be uncomfortable, particularly for people who don't seem to want to acknowledge that there are differences in our post-modern society based on race. Surely, they think, questions regarding race are all in the past, and we should disregard any/all concerns that are tied to race because it's just bringing up something that has already been resolved.

But has it?

As a white man, I am very aware of the privilege that is associated with my status. It's fascinating. It spills over into things like height - because I'm taller than the average, there is advantage there, too. It's not something I actively seek and take advantage of, and yet it is undeniably there.

I was recently involved with a job interview where one of the other applicants was a short, balding man. And you know? I wasn't as concerned about him as I was a taller guy with a full head of hair. Silly? Yes. True? Yes.

Wishing concerns away doesn't effectively deal with them. Discrimination related to race DOES happen. Discrimination related to gender DOES happen. How are we to deal with it? How can we effectively understand that it does happen, and then actively work to diminish the effects of such discrimination?

The first step is always to acknowledge that it exists. In a recent PLANNING magazine, there were some statistics that highlighted the difference in transportation options and usages based on race. The information was presented with little comment, but there was some invective that was generated in a later letter to the editor (see What's going on here?). The letter reflects the commonly-held viewpoint that we should move on beyond questions of race. I disagree. Issues of race continue to be pervasive and we MUST look at these issues.

Transportation is a big issue, not only in a planning context, but in general. We spend most of our time awake at work; second most use of our time spent commuting. According the magazine statistics, black folks spent a full week longer each year in commuting when compared to white folks. Why is this? What are the social implications? What about the impact on one's health? One's family? And how does a professional planner (like me) help to make appropriate transportation choices available to folks of all races?

I don't have all of the answers, and surely my scope of influence is limited. But every voice, every effort for reason and change is a valuable one, and people can and do make a difference.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Ephesus

Paul got around. Ephesus is right on the Aegean Sea, on the coast of present-day Turkey. Yesterday he was in Galatia, which was much more towards the middle of Turkey. And when he actually wrote these letters, he was in Rome... So the man could travel. He probably walked. Today's item of interest comes from chapter one in Ephesians. Verses 18 and 19 are particularly interesting: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power This is not the first time Paul talks about an inheritance. In Galatians he talks about the inheritance that comes of being part of the Abrahamic Covenant. He notes that we are joint-heirs through and with Christ. In Ephesians, he uses the word "adoption" - that we are adopted as the Children of Jesus Chris...

Engaged

Three Dog Night got it wrong.  One is not the loneliest number. They were more accurate when they said Two can be as bad as one.  I really wonder how people can survive Without being fully engaged. How they live through each day Without the intimacy I so very much crave... Maybe I am unusual in my desire  To have this intimacy, To want to feel that soul So close to my own Sharing light and warmth, Sharing love and passion, Sharing life. Alas! Alas! Alas! For when I do seek to share It is often only to be rebuffed Denied Or used up, Sucked dry, And left an empty husk.  I want SO MUCH to share And all I have is the cold, digital world Of typing out a blog.

Lucky!

So Tomorrow is Amie's birthday. The 12 th is Andy's. The 14 th is Alex's. And the 26 th is mom's. Happy birthday everyone. I recently found that a member of our ward has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer has a survivability rate of less than 5% and you never, ever kick it, even if you live. Once diagnosed, people are expected to live about six months. My wife and I were talking about this wonderful woman. There are very few (too few) people in this world who shine. Literally. This sister shines with a light that is perceptible and discernible . The world will literally be a darker place without her in it. Life is short, folks. Too short for hard feelings, too short for pain and misunderstanding. I love you all so much. Sorry this one is such a downer... I don't mean to be lugubrious on your birthdays... I consider myself lucky to be your brother. You have and continue to bless me and my family in many ways, for which I will be eternally gra...